Keswick Community Housing Trust (KCHT) has been pioneering community-led housing for more than 15 years, helping address the shortage of affordable homes for people who live and work in the Keswick area. Managed entirely by volunteers, the Trust has developed and now manages more than 40 affordable homes, enabling local families to remain part of the community despite the pressures of high house prices, second homes and holiday lets.
Community-led housing in action
Founded in 2010 following concerns about the lack of affordable housing in Keswick, KCHT was created to provide homes for local people who could not afford to buy or rent on the open market. Since then, the Trust has delivered four successful housing developments, each designed to meet local housing needs while ensuring the homes remain affordable for future generations.
The Trust’s developments include:
- The Hopes – 11 family homes built on land purchased from St John’s Church
- Banks Court – Conversion of a former public toilet into four affordable flats
- Calvert Way – New affordable family homes
- Southey Court – The Trust’s fourth community-led housing development
Together these projects have created secure, high-quality homes for local people while demonstrating what can be achieved through community ownership and volunteer commitment.
Powered by volunteers
Every aspect of the Trust is overseen by volunteers, from governance and housing allocations to tenancy management and future development planning. Their dedication allows KCHT to operate efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on supporting tenants and strengthening the local community. In recognition of this outstanding contribution, the Trust received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024.
Supporting a sustainable Keswick
Affordable housing plays a vital role in maintaining a vibrant community. By enabling local workers and families to continue living in Keswick, KCHT helps support local businesses, schools and essential services while protecting the town from the growing impact of second homes and short-term holiday accommodation.
Looking ahead
Although the Trust has already provided more than 40 affordable homes, it recognises that the need for local housing remains significant. The Board continues to explore new opportunities for development while strengthening governance and preparing the next generation of volunteers to lead the organisation into the future. Their ambition is simple: to continue providing affordable homes for local people, one development at a time.
